When you ship goods across borders, delays at customs can throw off your timelines and stress you out. Each hour a shipment is stuck in customs costs businesses money, delays deadlines, and creates unhappy customers. There’s no need to stress out about customs clearance. You can speed up, smoothen, and relax the process by tackling the common bottlenecks.
Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help you clear customs quickly, saving you time, money, and frustration.
1. Get Your Documents Right
There’s nothing that slows down a shipment faster than incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. You have to provide customs agents with documents, like commercial invoices and packing lists, so they can process your shipments. Delays can occur if you fail to include a signature or provide an accurate product description.
Do a triple-check on every document before shipping. Customs brokers can help you make sure all your paperwork is complete and error-free if you’re not sure what you need.
2. Use the Correct Product Codes
Classification codes are unique to each product, and getting them wrong can lead to shipment delays or additional charges. Customs authorities use these codes to determine applicable duties and to assess whether your goods qualify for import.
Ask your broker to verify your product’s Harmonized Systems (HS) code. Smoother processing and accurate duties are guaranteed with the right classification.
3. Know the Rules of Your Destination
You have to follow each country’s customs regulations, and they’re not always straightforward. It’s easy to get fined or delayed when you don’t understand these rules.
Research the destination country’s requirements or consult with a broker who specializes in that region. You’ll need this especially if your goods are restricted or regulated.
4. Package Smartly
Improper packaging can lead to complications during customs clearance. When shipments are damaged or poorly labelled, customs usually raise a red flag and hold up the process.
Don’t forget to use secure, strong packaging and make sure your labels are clear and accurate. Include labels like ‘Fragile’ or ‘Handle with Care’ when necessary
5. Plan for Inspections
Some goods are more likely to be inspected than others, like high-value items or regulated items. Getting caught up in these inspections can be painful if you’re not prepared.
Make sure you’ve got all your paperwork and certifications handy. When your shipment is flagged, proper preparation can speed things up.
6. Don’t Underestimate Tariffs and Fees
Duty, tax, and fee underestimation are some of the biggest reasons for delays. Customs will not release your shipment until all duties, taxes, and fees are paid.
Calculate all possible shipping costs before you ship. So there are no surprises, a customs broker can give you an accurate estimate.
7. Use Pre-Clearance Programs
It’s easy to skip long customs lines with programs like C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) or PIP (Partners in Protection). In these programs, trusted traders get priority and inspection rates go down.
Getting pre-clearance will speed up your processing time and build trust with customs.
8. Stay Ahead of Changes
Trade regulations are not easy to understand and will stifle your shipments. There have been some big changes in import law in both the U.S. and Canada, as an example.
Keep ahead of regulatory updates by cross-referencing frequently with customs authorities or going for brokers.
9. Invest in Real-Time Tracking
Without real-time tracking, you may remain unaware of shipment delays. A real-time tracking tool allows you to monitor your project and make corrections when something goes amiss.
Shipments hit customs issues? Use a shipping platform with real-time notifications.
10. Partner with a Customs Broker
Customs adventure is long and treacherous. From the paperwork to compliance, licensed customs brokers allow your shipments to meet customs straight.
Working with a customs broker who understands your industry can help you achieve what you require. It is usually their knowledge that makes the difference between a successful and a frustrating clearance
Why Faster Customs Clearance Matters
Customs delays impact not just your immediate shipments but your overall business operations. Late deliveries can result in dissatisfied customers, reduced sales, and increased costs. It’s not uncommon for a shipment to arrive when it’s supposed to be a week earlier.
Keep your supply chain flowing smoothly with these tips.
Let Clearit USA Help You Get There Faster
Clearit USA provides you with the ability to easily process your customs. We simplify the customs clearance process, ensuring your paperwork and compliance needs are handled seamlessly.